Design Èlite to Team Up on Wildest Putt-Putt Course of All Time

Who needs windmills when you’ve got Zaha Hadid?

By The Editors

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25 April 2016

It’s common knowledge that the quality of a miniature golf course is directly proportional to the maddening complexity of its course design.

It stands to reason, then, that a course designed by fashion demi-god Paul Smith and a who’s who of art- and design-world friends that includes the late Zaha Hadid will be the greatest thing to happen to the sport since Happy learned how to putt.

The man who has been putting his own spin on classic fashion for decades is hoping to do the same thing to putt-putt at September’s London Design Festival by building a “Visionary Crazy Golf” course.

The nine-hole course — which will feature works by artist Mark Wallinger, designer Tom Dixon and Japanese studio Atelier Bow-Wow and a two-level piece that traces the shadow of Nelson’s Column designed by the late Zaha Hadid — is expected to cost about $172,860.

Backers of the project can secure themselves tee times, limited-edition accessories like socks and scarves designed by Smith and even the chance to play a round with the man himself.

“All of the designers I invited to take part, both distinguished and emerging talents, have been given free rein to be playful, original and have fun,” Smith says. “The result will be a wonderful and accessible display, right at the heart of London, which will celebrate design and creativity, and explore engineering and new materials.”